The University of Illinois and tech giant IBM launched an initiative to boost tech skills and help push through advancements in quantum and other technologies with the creation of the new IBM-Illinois Discovery Accelerator Institute.
Illinois Physics Professor and founding IQUIST member Brian DeMarco coleads the quantum thrust for the new institute, which includes quantum information systems, architectures, materials, and algorithms, to advance quantum computing as an industry, including a multi-node quantum testbed that enables researchers to explore and implement new ideas for distributed quantum processing and quantum networks.
With UIUC’s strong interdisciplinary leadership in quantum technologies across physics, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, and materials science, and IBM’s world-class expertise in quantum computing, researchers will aim to envision and realize the future of hardware and software for quantum information. IBM will also work closely with UIUC and other local partners on workforce development through the development of educational curriculum, graduate programs that combine academic research with industry experience at IBM Quantum in Yorktown Heights, and a focus on the diversity and inclusion of the broader quantum workforce and community.